5 Steps to Treating a Thin Uterine Lining

In Chinese medicine the uterus is known as the baby palace, and a healthy uterine lining is essential for growing a healthy baby. A lining that is too thin will make it more difficult for an embryo to implant or obtain proper nourishment throughout the pregnancy. A healthy lining is evenly distributed throughout the uterus, enjoys good blood flow, and at mid-cycle it measures 8-12 mm thick.

What causes a thin uterine lining?

Structural issues

Structural issues that impact the uterine lining include uterine fibroids, a septum, or scar tissue. These can interfere with both the growth and distribution of the lining, resulting in a lining that is too thin to support implantation or the healthy growth of a baby. Structural issues are generally treated with surgery.

Poor nutrition

The lining is made out of blood, and having enough blood to build a healthy lining depends on good nutrition. It is important that you get enough iron and include blood building foods in your diet.

Poor uterine blood flow

The uterus and it’s lining should be well supplied with blood, and anything that interferes with good blood flow can lead to a thin lining. Coldness will damage the uterus by decreasing its blood supply.

Symptoms  include:

• Painful periods
• Scanty periods
• Clots in menstrual blood
• Dark red or purple menstrual blood
• Low back pain

5 steps to treating a thin uterine lining

1. Food to grow a healthy uterine lining

Food nourishes us and is needed to make blood, which in turn builds a healthy uterine lining. Chinese medicine has long recognized certain foods that are especially good at building blood.

Be sure to include these in your diet:

• Meat: 1 -3 servings daily of meat that is ideally organic and hormone-free.  Red meat, both beef and lamb, is best for building a lining
• Healthy fats: olive oil, raw nuts, avocado
• Dark leafy greens

2. Supplements to grow a healthy uterine lining

In addition to a blood-building foods, many supplements can help build a healthy uterine lining.

Take these daily:

• Iron, 1 – 2 daily servings, exact dose depends on the type of iron
• Digestive enzymes to break down iron, 1 – 2 capsules with iron
• Fish oil, aka Omega 3 essential fatty acids, 2000 mg daily
• Vitamin E, 800 iu daily
• L-Arginine, 6 grams daily
• Turmeric, aka Curcumin, 2000 mg daily, STOP when pregnant
• Low Dose Aspirin (LDA), 81 mg daily

 3. Warming the uterus to grow a healthy uterine lining

The best way to warm up a cold uterus includes applying heat to the lower abdomen, keeping your feet warm, and eating a diet consisting of warm foods and beverages.

• Use a heating pad or hot water bottle your lower abdomen
• Keep your feet warm
  • Wear warm socks and shoes
  • Have cozy slippers at home
  • Wear socks to bed
  • Take warm foot baths
• A warming diet:
  • Drink warm beverages
  • Eat warm foods
  • Avoid cold and raw foods
  • Avoid iced beverages

4. Movement to build a healthy uterine lining

Physical activity will improve blood flow, which in turn will help to build the uterine lining. Exercise should be mild to moderate for 20 – 30 minutes daily.

Types of exercise that are good for your fertility include:

• Walking
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Qi gong

5. Acupuncture to build a healthy uterine lining

Acupuncture is excellent for improving blood circulation and growing a healthy uterine lining.  Acupuncture is most successful when it is used over a period of 2 – 3 months, with treatment sessions 1 – 2 times weekly.

Summary

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, are struggling with uterine lining that is too thin, and want to find out more about how you can improve your fertility, we can answer your questions and help you get scheduled for your first appointment.

Call today 510-595-1175!

Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac.
Medical director
Fertility Acupuncturist East Bay
510-595-1175
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